OK, this is a bit dangerous for me to do but I think I will try a little commentary on a few news reports I have heard today.
First, I received an e-mail yesterday regarding Reverend Ann Holmes Redding, an Episcopal priest for 20 years. She became a Muslim last year, but still considers herself a Christian as well. What really got me was the response of her Bishop, Vincent Warner, who accepts her as both an Episcopal and a Muslim and thinks the possibility is exciting.
Then I heard a report today that the leader of the Anglican church is meeting with the bishops of the Episcopal church. The meeting may result in a split, the American churches leaving the church of England (Anglican church) over a disagreement on gay marriage.
Second, I watched reports about the Jena 6. Here are a few thoughts. What kind of wicked people produces teens who hang nooses in trees as a threat to their fellow classmates? What kind of wicked people produce teens take the law in their own hands and beat a classmate? What kind of wicked people fail to punish their youth for threats of violence, and the violence that it creates! As far as I am concerned, the school and the local authorities should have charges the students with hanging ropes with a crime, and students who beat up other students at school should be charged with crimes as well, maybe not murder! But it is assault. One of the reasons that school violence is so rampant is that it is not treated. It is a public school. If you beat or threaten people in public, then the public authorities should arrest you! Giving students a week of vacation (that is what we called suspension when I was in school) is foolishness.
Here's the commentary. We are the richest country in the world. There is a large contingency of people who consider us to be a Christian nation. We send out more Christian missionaries than any other country on the globe. But we are perhaps the most wicked nation in the world at the same time!
We need to pray for our country. Pray for moral fortitude in the face of sexual perversions. Pray for racial peace and equal treatment in the courts. But then, let's do something about our nation. Befriend a homosexual. Show them the love of Jesus and the kindness of God who is not willing that any should perish, but that all should be saved. Get out of your racial bubble and make a new friend that is outside of your ethnic background. When we get to heaven there will be people, who Jesus saved, from every tribe, tongue and nation.
The greatest way to beat evil is not protest, though protest does bring needed attention, the greatest way to beat evil is through the love of Christ being made real through the love and friendship of people who know him as savior and Lord.
2 comments:
This is the scripture the Royal Rangers studied last night. God gives us direct instruction on what to do to "beat evil"
I would like to point out Rom.12:2 and Rom 12:21 as important verses to consider.
Knowing Gods will as well as understanding do what is right in Gods eyes is key.(V2)
and knowing that God finds vengeance as unacceptable we must be careful to not attack those who do not conform to Gods will but always show brotherly love in the way that Jesus always loved others especially at the points when they were condemning Him.
Rom 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual[fn1] act of worship.
Rom 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Rom 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Rom 12:4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,
Rom 12:5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Rom 12:6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his[fn2]faith.
Rom 12:7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;
Rom 12:8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Rom 12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Rom 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Rom 12:11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Rom 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Rom 12:13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Rom 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rom 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Rom 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[fn3] Do not be conceited.
Rom 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
Rom 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Rom 12:19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[fn4]says the Lord.
Rom 12:20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[fn5]
Rom 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Love the "befriend" comment. Seems like I read somewhere that love covers a multitude of sins
Post a Comment